About Us
Our History
The Sugar Milling Research Institute NPC (SMRI) was founded in 1949 to centralise research and advance the efficiency and sustainability of the South African sugar industry.
Its creation followed discussions between the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the Natal Sugar Millers’ Association (now SASMA), and the University of Natal (now UKZN), with the sugar industry taking responsibility for directing research to solve its own challenges.
Located on the UKZN Howard College campus in Durban, in the heart of the sugar belt, the SMRI has grown from modest beginnings to a purpose-built facility, supporting the industry with innovative research and technical services. Leadership has played a key role in its evolution, from founding director Dr K. Douwes Dekker to the current CEO, Dr Janice Dewar, guiding the Institute in its mission to strengthen and sustain the sugarcane industry.
Our Mission Statement
The mission of the SMRI is to be a world-class research institute, supporting the southern African sugarcane processing industry in its goal of global competitiveness.
The institute commits to achieve this by providing
International leadership in sugar science research
Innovative, cost-effective solutions to cane and sugar processing and refining problems
Development, optimisation and transfer of new technologies for competitive advantage
Appropriate analytical, consulting, communication and information services
State-of-the-art training for sugar technologists
Challenging projects, recognition for achievement, and opportunities for continuous learning for its employees
Our Funding
The institute is financed by a levy based on the amount of sugar produced at its member factories, or at an agreed rate based on the package of technical services offered as part of the particular membership package selected by the member.
It also receives income, primarily from members, for ad hoc contract research and technical and training services undertaken. Further, government funding is also received on an ad hoc basis for competitive research projects. All research associated with the agricultural aspects of the cultivation of sugarcane is handled separately by the South African Sugarcane Research Institute (SASRI) at Mount Edgecombe. Through the South African Sugar Association’s (SASA) membership of the SMRI, a close working relationship is maintained between SASRI and the SMRI.